When its recent real-time FAQ event brimmed over with queries, Businessolver immediately opted to follow through by publishing extra tips in its ebook, titled “Cleaning Up after the Elephant in the Room: Minimizing ACA’s Mess.”

“In our webinar, ‘The White Elephant in the Room,’ our experts offered tips to deal with ACA’s 2018 reporting deadlines,” stated Businessolver. “Unfortunately, we received more questions from the audience than we could get to during the hour-long event!”

In its publication, the West Des Moines firm spoke to ACA compliance regulation changes: benefits eligibility for independent contractors; employer penalty details; time frames for penalty expirations, and fines from previous tax periods. Additionally, the ebook tackles rules pertaining to association health plans (AHPs) and professional employer organizations (PEOs).

Businessolver reminded readers that as of Oct. 12, 2017, employers can legally include non-employee contractors in certain benefits plans, with a caveat that businesses should review details carefully. As of Dec. 22, 2017, the U.S. repealed an ACA provision protecting individuals; however, said change does not impact employer policies.

Regarding previous tax years, the ebook clarified that the IRS has not yet issued a deadline for sending penalty notices for 2015 and encouraged employers to identify communications received regarding 2015 tax year assessments to prepare a timely response; plus, certain penalty notices may be issued after refilling.

Additionally, AHP stop-loss coverage is less strictly regulated than fully insured plans, with fewer protections, hence may not cover pre-existing conditions; but traditional employer plans cannot exclude said coverage. Similarly, the change order may benefit PEOs but has yet to crystallize completely.

Finally, Businessolver noted that relatively new level self-funded plans, striving to keep costs fixed, may in fact see variation due to reinsurance elements.

Businessolver extended an invitation to all readers to catch up on more basics by viewing the webinar.